Author: Roman Shaposhnikov
First time at a live table? NUTS club collected the main etiquette rules that keep your game pleasant and trouble-free!
Read our tips on what you can and cannot do at the poker table. You will learn how to bet correctly, avoid slow rolls and angle shooting, and whether you can use your phone during play.
This article helps all players, whether you play at a local casino, a major festival, or even in Las Vegas!
Attention and action order
In online poker you always get a prompt when it is your turn, which prevents acting out of turn.
In live poker it is vital to stay fully focused. This helps avoid mistakes and suspicion of angle shooting — any unfair action that misleads others.
Breaking action order can lead to penalties from the tournament director (TD). Do not worry: mistakes happen, and a single out-of-turn action usually has no serious consequences.
Do not discuss the hand
You must not discuss a hand if you are not in it. Conversation can distract players and affect their decisions.
If more than two players are in the hand, discussion is forbidden. In heads-up talk is allowed, but try not to distract your opponent on their turn.
How to bet
- Preflop: If you put out one chip that is larger than the previous bet, it counts as a call unless you announced a raise verbally.
- Example: big blind 100. If you put out one 500 chip without saying anything, it is a call. To raise to 500 you must say "raise".
- Postflop: If you bet first, one chip counts at face value. String betting (betting in multiple motions) is not allowed.
- Tip: put the full amount in one motion. To bet 600 (one 500 and one 100), place them on the table at once. If you announced the amount verbally, you may place chips in separate motions.
Watch the clock
Every player needs time to think. But do not think too long. Preflop it is enough to say "call", "raise", "fold", or "check" (for the big blind). Act quickly so you do not slow the game.
If a player takes too long, the dealer or another player may ask for a "clock" (timer). This limits decision time.
Avoid slow rolls
Slow roll is when a player with the winning hand deliberately teases an opponent.
- Example: you have the nut flush and on the river your opponent goes all-in. If you cover but pause a long time before saying "call" — that is a slow roll. Even if you call immediately but delay showing cards when you know you have the nuts, that is also a slow roll.
Do not expose your cards
Always cover your cards with your hand or a card protector so no one sees them. Keep cards on the table and do not lift them until showdown.
- Tip: avoid mirrored sunglasses at the table — they can reflect other players' cards.
Chip stack organization
All your chips must be visible. Place large chips in front and organize the rest in neat stacks of 20. This helps you and opponents estimate stack size.
No phone during an active hand
Using a phone during a hand you are still in is usually forbidden and can void your hand.
After you fold you may use your phone. Poker trainers during a hand are strictly forbidden.
Verbal declarations
Speak clearly and confidently: "raise", "call", "fold". This prevents disputes with the dealer or opponents. If you announced an action verbally, you cannot change it.
Leaving the table
You may leave only after your turn and a fold. Even if you plan to fold, wait for your turn.
Emotional control
Poker is emotional, but control your reactions. Do not celebrate wins excessively or show aggression when you lose.
Food and drinks
Food and drinks at the table are allowed, but be careful. Try not to dirty the table or chips.
Follow casino rules
Every casino or card room has its own rules. Read them before play: buy-ins, rebuys, blind structure, dress code, and etiquette may differ.
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